Hamilton runner takes on her 25th Around the Bay Road Race

Born and raised in Hamilton, Cheryl Miller recalls her first time racing the city’s renowned Around the Bay 30K as a significant rite of passage. When she began running, Hamiltonians often asked whether she had run the iconic event. On Sunday, March 31, Miller will step up to the start line for the 25th time, this year without her biggest fan and husband, Alisdair, by her side.

For Miller, the Around the Bay 30K road race has been a beloved tradition since her debut run in 1998. At the time, she had little experience with racing and felt unprepared to tackle a marathon. She says the 30K race was “just the right amount of challenging,” and takes pride in how it marked the start of her running journey. A moment she recalls from her first year is telling her husband she wanted to run the race again the following year, and asking him to join her on the start line.

The following year, the Millers crossed the finish line—a milestone that sparked a tradition. “The only year I didn’t race was when I was pregnant with my daughter in 2000, and, of course, the year the pandemic cancelled it,” says Miller. After 2000, Alisdair transitioned from the start to the finish, cheering Miller on from the sidelines alongside their daughter.

In December 2024, Alisdair died at the age of 71.

“He was always so supportive,” says Miller. “He’d ask to see my race splits afterward, and share how proud he was. Even when our daughter was little, he’d be on the sidelines, pushing her in a stroller.”

When asked about the motivation that has kept her coming back for 25 years, Miller pointed to the race inspiring her to train through the winter and the unwavering support from the community on race day. “I love seeing my friends cheering along Burlington’s North Shore and, of course, tackling the Spring Garden Road hill—it’s challenging each year,” she says.

Among Miller’s most loved race memories is crossing the former centre-ice finish line inside FirstOntario Centre—a moment that made her feel as though she were at the Olympics—and seeing her husband there, being the first to tell her how incredible she is.

Sunday’s race will undoubtedly be emotional for Miller, but she is confident in her ability to persevere. “I know I’ll cry at the end,” she admits. “He was always there cheering, but I know he’ll be watching, and that thought gives me the strength to do my best.”

Continuing the tradition, Miller’s daughter will make the trip back from Western University to cheer her mom on, doing what she loves.